I visited Israel three or four years ago. This picture was taken then, in the late 1990s, in Eilat. My sister Eliza Eshkenazi, nee Delareya, took me on a vacation to Eilat. My sister is first from left, I am next to her.
I have never thought of leaving Bulgaria and settling in Israel after 1989, because I had spent my entire life in Bulgaria and I have always felt emotionally connected with this country.
I have visited my relatives in Israel more than ten times. It was only difficult in the first years because then even letters weren't allowed. I was among the first people who visited Israel. I wasn't able to 'warn' my relatives about my arrival. They were at the cinema when it was announced that Jews from Bulgaria had arrived at the airport. They heard my name and immediately rushed to meet me. My mother hadn't seen me for seven years and she fainted at the airport.
Regarding the Israeli wars, I am definitely on Israel's side. At first I was more inclined to understand the Arabs, but it is no longer like that. I think they are intolerant in terms of politics and reaching of agreements. Maybe it's simply that a new leader should come and replace Arafat. It's a pity that young people from both sides die or become disabled for life.